Man Utd Player Ratings vs Liverpool: Mainoo gets 9/10 but 26yo teammate was equally superb in sealing UCL spot
Manchester United claimed the bragging rights by beating Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Premier League today.
United head coach Michael Carrick made just one change to his starting XI, bringing Matheus Cunha in for Amad Diallo.
The hosts exploded out of the blocks, with Cunha and Benjamin Sesko striking early to hand United a dream start.
However, defensive lapses allowed Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo to claw Liverpool back into the contest, levelling the score before the hour mark.
Just when the game hung in the balance, Kobbie Mainoo produced a moment of brilliance, showcasing sublime technique to fire home the decisive goal in the 77th minute.
This victory confirmed the return of Man United to the UEFA Champions League.
Player Ratings
Senne Lammens – 4/10
Beaten by a precise finish from Szoboszlai before committing his first major error in a United shirt, which allowed the 2-0 lead to slip.
Diogo Dalot – 7/10
Impressive going forward alongside Mbeumo, but defensively at fault for giving Szoboszlai too much space.
Squandered another big chance at the death. How can he do that so consistently?
Harry Maguire – 7/10
Produced a heroic block but was beaten too easily by Szoboszlai. Defended high up the pitch and made several important tackles.
Ayden Heaven – 7/10
He is only 19 but is fearless with his sliding tackles. One for the future.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
35/35 starts in the Premier League. Defensively solid at left-back against Jeremie Frimpong and played a part for Mainoo
Casemiro – 6/10
Missed a glorious chances at 2-2 when he was left unmarked by Liverpool defence.
Kobbie Mainoo – 9/10
Another class performance from the 21-year-old. Celebrated his new contract with a match-winning goal against the biggest rival. Thomas Tuchel cannot leave him out of England squad for the World Cup.
Bruno Fernandes – 7/10
Created an early chance for Sesko which he missed but then played a crucial part for the second goal. He could have had three assists today if not for woeful finishing up-front.
Matheus Cunha – 9/10
Showed sharp instincts to follow up his initial effort and finish with his left foot for an early breakthrough.
Excellent all-round display from the 26-year-old, influencing the game in and out of possession.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5/10
Produced an excellent first-time delivery to set up Fernandes, but lacked composure when a heavy touch denied him a chance to capitalise on Casemiro’s long ball.
Benjamin Sesko – 8/10
Alert and clinical when it mattered most, bundling home from close range. Forced off at the break, seemingly due to injury.
Substitutions
Amad Diallo – 1/10
Shamelessly assisted Szoboszlai that brought Liverpool to life.
Patrick Dorgu – 5/10
Fired a shot wide.
Joshua Zirkzee – NA
Too late to rate.
Leny Yoro – NA
Too late to rate.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .